Toaster



I March 22, 1938f A. DE MATTEIS 76 TQASTEB INVENTOR. ALFREDO ole-M77510.

March 22, 1938. A. DE MATTEIS 2,112,076

TOASTER Original Filed Nov. 14, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 A4 FPED 0 DE MrrE/s.

A TTOR N E YE;

A. DE MA'TTEIS v 2,112,076

-TOASTER March-22 193s.

' Original Filed Nov. 14, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR YALFIFEDO 05% Trans.

ATTORNEYS Patented Man-22, 1938 :PATENT OFFICE ariam I roasrsa mast. Matteis, Valley Stream, N. r., assigns g tolator C mpany, Inc., New York, Y a corporation of New York Original ap l cation November '14, 1935, Serial No. 49,680. Divided. and this application June 1, 1936, Serial No. 82,788 i Myinvention relates to a toaster or the'household type. the present application being a division of application Serial No. 49,680 filed November 14, .1935. 5 In toasters of this type, as heretofore construct'ed, the slice of bread to be toasted has been held stationary between a pairo! fixed heating elements. In some cases the bread is automatically ejected from the toaster after a predetermined time, which may be adjusted to obtain varying degrees of toasting. Apparatus of this type has the disadvantages that parts of the bread may be subjected to a more intense heating than others and also that parts shielded by holding members may not be toasted or browned at all. Moreover, in case the automatic ejecting device. may fail to work properly,the bread will be toasted too much or not enough, as the case may be.

These various disadvantages are avoided in my present invention in which the bread to be toasted is conveyed by a simple and compact mechanism through atoasting zone in which each succeedlng area of the bread is given auniform heattreatment, and in which the degree of toasting may be easily controlled or regulated as required. In my invention the bottom edge of a slice of bread to be toasted is placed on a pair of longitudinally extending parallel rails and the toast is intermittently lifted and carried forwardly between heating elementsby a. conveying mechanism which rises betweenthe rails, moves forward a limited space, then drops below the rails and returns to its original position. In this way the toast is repeatedly-lifted from one position on the supporting rails, carried forwardly and again deposited on the rails until it has passed from 'betweenthe heating elements. Guides are provided to prevent the-toast from falling side- 4.0 wise against the heating elements buiain png, the position of. these guides changes continuously with respect to the-exposed areas of the bread so that no part of the bread is covered throughout by the -guides but is exposed uniformly to the heating elements. Suitable supports are provided for the insertion of the bread and discharge oi the toast. The time of toasting and thus the extent of browning may be ccntrolledby moving the bread to diflerent positions on the conveyor deviceas it is inserted in thetoaster. i

The various features of the invention are trated by way of example in the acoompa drawings, in which- 1 Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal 0,3 8|

toaster embodyifi g vention. 4

Figs. 2 and 4 are horizontal sections on the lines 2-2 and 4-4 of Fig, 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3-3 01' 6 Fig. l.

Figs. 5 and 6 are detail views of the conveyor mechanism and a slice of bread being toasted, showing the position of the bread in difierent positions of movement. a 10 Fig. 7 is a cross section on the line 7-? of a preferred form otthein- Fig. 8 is a side elevation, Fig-9 a plan and Fig. 10 a vertical section on the line it-lll of Fig. 8 oi a modified form or embodiment of the inven- 15 tion.

Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are, respectively, perspective, plan, side elevations and cross section on the line lit-it of Fig. 13 of. a modifiedbrea'd conveying or moving element oi the invention.

Fig. 15 is a detail of a clip forming an element oi the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive. s

Figs. 16 and l! are, respectively, side elevation andplan of another form oi embodiment of the 25 invention.

Referring to the toaster illustrated in the accompanying drawings, more particularly to Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, the bread to be toasted is carried between a pair of electric resistance heat- 30 ing elements it and ii mountedwlthin an enclosure it on a base it on opposite sides oil a bread conveying passageway i i. Bread to be toasted is inserted through an opening it in the wall or casing it at the right as shown in Figs.

' l and 2, and rests, in whole or in part, on a supporting and conveying mecha which comprises a pair of spaced rails it eaten longi-. tudinally at the bottom of the conveying space do The conveying mechanism also comp a movable member ll havinga-series of seed upstanding proiections it between the rails i and projections it and it on opposite sides of the pair oi'rails. This conveyor member w. be made in any suitable manner of any suitable material. For example, it may be made cia strip oi metal having the portions 2i and it bent upwardly and serrated at their upper edges to term the projectionsii and it. The ixti tit dinal central part is also pressed upwar to form a pair of upwardly extending walls 28 10 ed at their upper edges by a flat horizontal or 24 from which the teeth It are formed by cutting and punching the metal upwardly at spaced in- 5a tervals. This construction provides channels in which the'rails l6 are received during the movements of. the member I1. Openings 26 are provided at intervals in the bottom of the channels 25, from which crumbs or particles of bread or toast may fall and thus maintaining the toasting passage free from accumulation of crumbs. 1

The bread passing through the toasting passage is held upright by means of. longitudinally extending bars 21 mounted at their opposite ends in uprights 26 which are mounted in the base l3 and joined at theirupper ends by a longitudinally extending bar 29. The bars 21 may be of any suitable shape and form and are preferably straight and slightly inclined so that areas of the bread, which in one position are shielded from the heating elements by the bars, are exposed upon passing to a different position in the toasting passage.

At the entrance end a feeding platform 30 is provided on which the bread to be toasted may 1 of the member l1 in any one position is always parallel to its position in any other part of the rest in part as it is positioned in the entranceend of the toasting passage. The outer edge of the platform 36 is raised slightly in the transverse ridge 3| so as to bring the weight of the slice of bread forwardly of its point of support on the platform and thus enable the moving elements l1 to take the weight of the slice and advance it into the toasting passage. A platform 32 is also provided at the exit end of the toasting passage. This platform 32 has raised edge portions 33 to provide a central channel 34 to guide the finished toast in a direct line as it leaves the toasting passage. The outer edge of the platform 32 is also curved downwardly at 36 to cause the toast to fall forwardly out of the toasting passage as its weight is received on the platform 32.

The period of time to which a slice of bread is subjected to the heating elements may be controlled by the extent to which it is pushed into the toasting passage. If it is found that the bread is toasted more than is desired; it is thereafter only necessary to push the slice further into the toasting passage. If, on the other hand, the toasting is not as great as desired, the bread will not be pushed into the toasting passage as far. The projections l9 a saw tooth shape to enable the bread to be pushed in one direction and ride over the projections. but to be engaged and pushed further in this direction by the movement of the elements l1. This method of controlling the degree of toasting has the advantage that it is direct and easily understood and regulated.

The moving element l1 may be given a required movement by any suitable mechanism. In the embodiment shown by way of example, this movement is one of combined translation and rotation, one point of the element l1 being given a rotating ,movement and other points being guided in the same rotational movement so that each element movement. The element I1 is driven in its movement by means of an electric motor 36 mounted in the base l3 of the toaster and driving an eccentric 31 through a speed reducing gear frame 36.- The eccentric 31 is journalled in a vertical plate 39 which extends upwardly between the walls 23 of the elements l1 and is secured thereto. The rotation of theeccentric 31 thus lifts and lowers the plate 39 and with it the moving element l1. The plate 39 is held in vertical position by means of pins 49 and 4! mounted on bracket arms 42 depending from the upper part of the base '3 and 20 are therefore made of toasting effect will depend upon and entering openings 43 and 44 respectively, in the plate 39. The relation of the pins 40 and 4| to the openings 43 and 44 respectively, is the same as that of the center of the eccentric 31 to the opening in which it is journalled, so that the plate 39 moves simultaneously in the same direction as the eccentric 31 and in the openings 43- 44 and thus maintains a parallel relation to any other position in its movement. The motor 36 may be energized by current taken from the entrance'cord or cable 45 through the switch 46 and wires 41 in parallel relation to wires 48 connecting the switch 46 to the heating elements.

The heating elements H may be of any suitable construction and arrangement. Preferably they are formed of spirally wound wire and the elements on opposite sides of the toasting passage are arranged in series. The. heating elements l0 and II are preferably identical or similar, the elements l0 being connected at one end to the binding terminal 49 and one end of the heating element ll being connected to a binding terminal 50. The binding terminals 49 and 50 are connected by the wire 49 to the switch 46. The opposite ends of the heating elements pass downwardly through insulators 5| and join in the connecting length of wire 52.

The length of spiral wire 53 extending upwardly from the terminal 49 or 50 passes over an insulator 54, such as a porceiain spool, suspended by a hanger 55 from the horizontal bar 29, and thence downwardly in a length'56 to and under an insulating spool 51 mounted on a hanger 56 from the cross-bar 29. Thence it extends upwardly in a length 59 over the spool 60 suspended on the hanger 6| and downwardly in a length 62 to the connecting cross-wire 52. The spool 60 is arranged at a lower level than the spool 54 and the coils of the spirals 59 and 60 are more closely spaced so as to provide greater liberation of the heat in the lower part of the toasting passage. }I'his results in a more even distribution of heat, for the heated air rises about the heating elements to the extreme upper part of the passage and renders radiating heat elements unnecessary at this point. Moreover, the bread near the bottom of the slice is generally denser than near the upper crust, and requires greater application of heat. The result is that the heat is distributed in proportion to the absorbing capacity of the bread. As the slice passes past the hanger elements 6| it has been partly dried and its surface is in position to take a uniform toasting and the heating effect is correspondingly reduced and distributed throughout the entire height of the slice.

The heating effect is. therefore. proportioned to give a uniform toasting effect throughout the exposed surfaces of the slice. Inasmuch as the the length of time of heating the toast, this time may be shortened by pushing the bread further into the toasting' channel, or lengthened by placing it at the extreme outer part. The repeated movements of the bread being toasted also tends to maintain a uniform toasting effect.

The tosting elements may be enclosed in an enclosure which comprises a pair of side walls 63 having end walls 64 and 65 that are inturned toward the toasting passage and terminate in approximate alignment with the guides 21, so as to define the entrance and outlet to and from the toasting passage. The top part of the enclosure is formed by a top or cover plate 66 which is secured to the side plates 63 by screws, or other suitable means, and which are also secured to the uprights 29 and the cross-bar 29 by suitable securing means. The lower edges of the side walls 63 are. held inposition by 1 down-turned strips 61 that fit over the up-turned edges of the plate 69 mounted on the base l5. Insulating plates 69 andflfl are mounted on the under surface of the platforms 30 and 32 to enable these platforms to act as. handles, without danger of being burnt should the platforms be heated.

In the modification shown in Figs. 8, 9, and the plate 39 carrying the toast supporting and lifting elements is slidably secured to one side of a depending plate H, which corresponds in position to the elements 42 of Fig. 1, by means of a pair of studs 12 which project from the plate H through openings F3 in the plate 99 and pairs of washers 14. The openings 13 are of adito permit an oscillating motion about the studs.

' This oscillating motion is imparted tov the plate 39 by means of a pair of cams 15 mounted on a rotating shaft'lfi and acting-against horizontal flanges l1 projecting "sidewise from the lower edge of the plate 39 to alternately lift and lower 'the plate 39 in recurrent cycles. A cam i8 is also mounted. on the shaft 16 and projects into a slot 19 on a plate or bracket 99 on the plate 39, and j is so inclined as to shift the plate 39 forwardly in its uppermost position, and backwardly or in afreturn movement in its lowermostposition.

As a result, the plate 39 is lifted so as to lift the toast above the supporting rail or rails, move it forwardly, then drop to permit the toast or bread to rest on the supporting rail, and then. returri to its original position. The toast supporting member I9 may be mounted onupward projections 9|. of the plate 39 by means of clips 92 which pass through-openings 93 in the projections 9! and then are bent tightly against the sides of the element I9 er' a' part thereof; The

shaft 19 may bedriven by any suitabledriving' motor through any suitable transmission mechanism.

I By way'of example, such mechanism is illus- In the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 16 and 1'7, the oscillating or carrying plate 99 is slidably mounted on the supporting plate if by means of a pair of shafts 99 and eccen tries 99 keyed on the shafts and fitting theopenings in the plate .39. The plate 39 is held in suit ably spaced relation. to the plate It by means. of

pairs of washers 91, one pair for each of the shafts 99. The eccentrics 99 are mounted in the.

same angular relation to their respective shafts 89 and consequently rotate their respective ends of the plate 39 in the same phase so that the plate 39 is lifted, carried forwardly, dropped and returned to its original position vwith each complete rotation of the shafts 99. The shafts 99 are driven in synchronism by means of a mo- ,tor 9i mounted on the plate fl and having ashaft 92 that extends from each end of the motor 9|, and carries on the projecting ends wor s 93 which mesh with gears 94 keyed on their respective shafts 89 so that the gears 94 and shafts the same phase or cycle.

The toast or bread conveying mechanism shown in Figs. 11 to 15 inclusive, and which is an improved form of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7, comprises a'single flat bar 94 mounted at its opposite ends in the platforms 69 and 19 in a manner similar to', the mounting or the rods i6 as shown in Fig. 1. The lifting and carrying mechanism comprises a trough-shaped metallic sheet or strip bent to form a bottom plate 95 and a pair of upwardly extending side plates 96 and 91, the upper edge of which is saw toothed. The openings 98 are formed in the bottom plate 95. The bottom plate 95 is secured on upwardly projecting ends of the actuating mechanism, such as the upward projections of the plate 39 in any of the modifications, by meansof a clip having a downwardly depending shank bent to form a pair of slightly spaced leaves 98 which grip the Opposite sides of the upward projections 9l of the plate 39, and having a pair of horizontal leaves 99 projecting on opposite sides of the leaves 98. wardly from the horizontalleaves 99 through openings ml in the bottom plate 95 and are,

then pressed downwardly to engage and grip the bottom plate- 95.

The above arrangement provides a somewhat simpler mechanism for supporting and conveying the bread to be toasted.

What I claimis 1. A toaster comprising a pair ments spaced to provide a toasting passage, a pair of supporting rails in said passage, conveyor elements between and outside of said rails, and means cyclically to lift said elements to project above thesurface of said rails, move them forwardly, lower them to their original level and re- .turn'them to their original position.

2. A toaster comprising a pair of heating elements spaced to provide a toasting passage, a pair of spaced supporting rails extending longitudinally at the base of said passage, a strip extending longitudinally below said rails and having prosaid strip cyclically to lift the points of said pro-' jections alcovev the upper surfaces of said rails, to move said strip forwardly, lower it to its original level and return it to its original position, said strip having openings to permit particles to fall therthrough. A v

4. A toaster comprising a pair of heating elements spaced to provide a toasting passage, a pair of spaced supporting rails extending longitudinally in the lower part of said passage, con- 99 and cams 99 rotate at the same speed and in of heating ele-' The book elements I00 extend upl to,

veyor means having parts movable cyclically in a longitudinally plane relative to said rails to lift a slice to be toasted from said rails, move it forwardly a limited distance and deposit it on said rails.

5. A toaster comprising a pair of electric heat ing elements spaced to provide a heating passage, a pair of spaced longitudinally extending supporting rails in the spaced portion of said passage,

- I through the cooking zone for a conveyor means to lift a slice from said rails, move it forwardly and deposit it on said rails in recurrent cycles, said heating elements comprising heating wires passing between upper and lower supports, the upper supports nearer the entrance end of said passage being lower than those toward the exit ends thereof.

6. A toaster comprising a toasting passage,

means to move a slice of bread to be toasted through said passage in successive small movements, inclined guide rails at opposite sides of said passage, and a pair of heating elements,one at each side of said passage outside of said guide rails, said heating passages being arranged in vertically extending loops arranged in longitudinal succession with loops nearer the entrance end of said toasting passage extending upwardly to lower levels than the loops toward the exit end thereof.

'7. A toaster comprising an elongated casing providing a cooking zone, a fixed support .member to directly engage an edge of a mass of toastable material in the casing to normally support the mass, and a feeding element for intermittent operation directly against the mass at said edge to engage and support the mass alternately with the support member while advancing -,the mass predetermined distances which are less than the length of the cooking zone whereby the mass may be progressively toasted as it is advanced through the cooking zone.

8. In a bread toaster, a frame, means carried by said frame and forming a narrow vertical passageway open at its ends, said means including a way upon which the bread travels on edge, said way having a slot therein, an auxiliary frame, a feed mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame and including a feed bar having dogs thereon adapted to extend through the slot and to engage the bread on said way, a crank carried by said auxiliary frame and engaging said feed bar at one locality to give said feed bar a circular movement, a guide engaging said feed bar at one 10- cality to give the feed bar a parallel movement, means carried by the auxiliary frame for operating said crank, and means for toasting the bread during its passage through the passageway.

9. A toaster comprising a pair of heating elements spaced to provide a toasting passage, supporting means extendinglongitudinaily in the lower part of said passage to support a slice of bread on edge and means having parts movable cyclically in a longitudinal plane relative to said rails periodically to lift said slice of bread, move it forwardly a limited distance less than the lengthof said passage and deposit it on said support.

ALFREDO DE MA'I'IEIS. 

